The Nonpartisan Leader Newspaper, September 19, 1921, Page 11

_holding office and find them- A Page for Women Written by Women THE FARM WOMAN’S PAGE What Club Means anesota Woman Tells What One Organ- ization Has Done BY BERTHA ANDERSON President Dalbo (Minn.) Women’s Nonpartisan club and secretary Isanti County Federation of Nonpartisan clubs. FTER a year’s experience with a Wom- en’s Nonpartisan club we do not want ever to be without it. It has meant so much to us, both socially and edu- cationally. The entertainments put on by the club have been instrumental in bringing us closer together and teaching us to work together for the good of all. Though the so- cial side has not been neglected, just as much time has been spent in intellectual pursuits. And it is evident to all that a vast improvement has been made. Before we began the work we never realized that i so much could be accomplished in so short a time. At that time very few of us even knew how to econ- duct a meeting and very few of us had ever even at- tended a school meeting. Practically none of us took any interest in the town meeting or other elections, but since we began the study of civil government we set to work in earnest to learn and to attend meetings, so that now some of the women are even - selves as capable as the men. We take pride in having mastered the rudiments of civics and in keeping ourselves posted on what our state and national law-making bodies are doing. We have allied our- selves with the different wom- en’s committees, leagues and associations that are working for better educational facilities and doing work of any kind for community betterment. Would that we had at least one live woman’s club in every township! It is a vital neces- sity as an educational center in the rural community, not only to post ourselves about the government and laws, but to arouse interest in public af- fairs and to encourage women to take an active part in the . business of government, to combat the indifference and - apathy which are so dangerous in a democracy. POLITICS NECESSARY TO REACH GOAL Thus we have learned that we must enter politics if we wish to put through our vari- ous programs for the uplift of humanity. And we have learn- ed the power and value of organization, though cu- goal of a perfected organization has not yet been reached. All women should be aroused from their indiffer- ent and unthinking attitude, to their obligation of performing to the best of their ability their new duties of citizenship. Perhaps if they would realize the great possibilities of the latent power that is theirs they would respond. So upon the shoulders of the women, who are already enlightened as to the true situation, falls the great task of awakening their sleeping sisters. Even as it is, it seems, the influence of the women already organized has had weight on some ques- tions; for instance, that of calling an international conference on disarmament. The estimated military expenditure.of the Unit- ed States government for the next year is over one billion dollars. Henry Ford has said: “If I could have one-half of the expenditure of the United States government for a single year in prepara- Valley (7). fellow is booster” tion for wars to come, alone, I'd’ be able to put a - power plant on every waterpower site in the coun- try and provide the nation with enough electric | NOTIL V. As ’ | These boys are Maurice George La Valley (9) and Regnald Edward La They are both Leaguers,” their mother, Mrs. W. L. La Valley of Granville, N. D., in- forms us, but she says the younger in addition a for the farmers’ movement. power to move the trains, light the homes, public buildings and the schools.” Think of it, all we should by right be enjoying and yet have only ourselves to blame. But organ- ized effort is the road to success, so there is still hope. As time passes, we will progress away from our ignorant, unthinking short-sightedness and fol- ly, to take cognizance of the realities of life. We will learn to think constructive thought. Then there will open up great vistas of new ideas as to hitherto undreamed of possibilities in life. When we learn to look at its different aspects through just and sensible eyes, not predjudiced, ignorant and unbelieving, we will then put our minds and efforts to the work of constructing a new just system, our final goal, the brotherhood of man. The Child’s Lunch Box The Problem of What the Children Should Take to School Written especially for the Leader by F. G._ B. Now that it is school time again there is added to the mother’s other duties the new one of pre- paring tempting and healthful lunches for the 'school lunch basket. On - investigating lunches last year I found that many children choose their own lunch, and that at least one- half of their food consisted of such indigestibles as candy, cakes and pickles. In many instances there was nothing nourishing; nothing that was necessary for promoting a child’s growth. I found condi- tions like this in all schools, and there were many under- sized boys and girls. A good stout lunch box, and a plentiful supply of wax paper cups, and a little screw- top jar for soft or liquid food, is the necessary equipment for packing school lunches. Sim- ple bread and butter sand- wiches, with possibly a little meat, is substantial. Simple salads custards and puddings, not easily spilled, lend pleas- ant variety and should be used often. The same sort of food should not be used every day. Fruit of some kind should be added. Apples are no trouble to put up, there is no danger of their - getting mussed up, and they will keep for another day if not used at that time. They are healthfyl and require no sugar coating to be appetiz- ing. ) Do not mind spending a bit of time and thought on the school lunch box. It will be for the welfare of the boy and girl. It will pay a dividend in well-nourished bodies and clear minds. “good “regular NO “INFERIORITY” HERE Editor Nonpartisan Leader: In the last issue of the Leader Anne Martin writes on the mental state of many women which she calls the “Infer- iority Complex.” That “disease” has been and is still prevalent among our women, but if she will take a trip into Nebraska and see our new organ- ization work I think she will agree with me that this ‘“disease” will soon be a thing of the past. Our Nebraska women are taking hold of this work in a very responsive manner, when one conmders the very short time we have had the ballot. Mrs. Grace Welch, our state organizer, is doing very efficient work organizing new clubs consist- ing of new members and League men as associate members. We are indeed on the road to economic freedom. ; MRS. R. W. CURRY, President Nebraska Federation of Womens Nonpartisan Clubs: Litchfield, Neb. PAGE TWELVE ' To Help Women in New Role as Citizens An Appeal Women Seek to Arouse Nation to Impor- tance of Disarmament Conference BY WOMEN’S COMMITTEE FOR WORLD DIS- ARMAMENT o (EDITOR’S NOTE—Several Women’s Nonpartisan clubs have affiliated with this committee.) UBLIC “opinion has triumphed! The president has called a conference of the nations to effect international dis- armament. Four months ago we were told on all sides that our work was useless — impossible — the Borah amendment was laughed at. The women of the country believed differently and immediately began collecting and directing on congress and the presi- dent the sentiment.which already existed through- out the country—the result of this work you al- ready know well. We are confronted now by new problems and must direct our energies to the next step. First—The primary object of the conference must be disarmament.: This is very important. The conference seems to be fast outgrowing its original purpose. Many matters are being sug- gested for its consideration. But as Senator Borah points out, any discussion of Pacific problems be- fore agreement is reached upon the actual laying down of guns, will defeat the whole purpose of the gathering. “Disarmament should not be postponed or subordinated or made incident to the settling or adjusting of international questions. It is the most vital -problem in—the world today and any plan or any program which makes the question of disarmament a subordinate or incidental problem rather than the main or controllmg proposxtlon will result in the future, as in the past, in no rehef to taxpayers and no relief from war. Remember then—the primary object of the con- ference must be disarmament. _ Second—Watch the personnel of the conference. It should be representative of—sthose groups that want peace and should include a just representation of women. We must be represented not only by technical experts and diplomats, but also by rep- resentatives of those groups which bear the brunt of war. 1 The conference belongs to the people. Third—The proceedings of the conference must be above the suspicion of Secrecy and its deliber- ations constantly open to public knowledge and public criticism. Speak out loudly for publicity. A cable was sent from Washington headquarters to the congress of ‘the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom asking that women of other countries involved in the disarmament con- ference insist on a. non-militaristic personnel, with women delegates, and on full publicity for the pro- ceedings of the conference. Letters are also going to representative women of England Japan and other countries telling of the women’s activities in the United States, and inviting co-operation in formmg a women’s international committee to meet in Washington while the dlsarmament con- ference sits. The Women’s Committee on World Disarmament has branch organizations now in 37 states of the Union. Keep in mind—the conference belongs not to a few diplomats but to the entlre peoples of the na. tions involved. To make the conference a success the whole na- tion must be aflame with zeal for disarmament and the prevention of war. (Have you read Will Ir- win’s -book “The Next Wat”") Remember that the primary object of the con- ference is disarmament. It must not be sidetrack- ed. Watch the personnel of the American delega- tion. It should include women. Demand the fullest publicity for the proceedings. WOMEN NOT PEOPLE Cuba is unwilling to admit that women are people. The senate has just said so twice, first by defeating a provision of a constitutional reform bill which would have given congress the right to determine under. what conditions women would be allowed to vote. Second, by defeating another motion giving women unrestncted suffrage by striking ‘out. the word “male” from the constitutional prov:sxon de- fimng who shall vote. T gile AT bs & P 7 o, o L ] BE